Faith Baptist Academy

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A visit to Faith Baptist Academy revealed a school focused on growth and building a strong foundation through its teachers, students, and families. In his first year as principal, Rafael Higuera shared, “Never saw myself doing this,” yet his heart for impacting kids and families is evident.

Faith Baptist Academy offers smaller class sizes, the ABEKA curriculum, and a Biblical worldview. Chromebooks are intentionally not used during classroom instruction to support stronger retention and engagement, while themed summer camp activities include STEM projects, character development, Bible character lessons, and field trips.

The heart of the school is found in its teachers and their love for students. Mrs. Duran shared she loves “seeing the wonder and spark when they understand a new concept they learn.” Mrs. Combe, who has taught kindergarten and served in administration for 18 years, became emotional describing the joy of watching students “Realize they can read!”

Faith Baptist Academy continues working to strengthen both students and staff while creating an environment where children can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Thank you to Principal Higuera, the staff, and the Faith Baptist Academy community for their dedication and care.

A visit to Lincoln Elementary highlights the value of teamwork, support, and connection. Located in a well-known area of the community, the school is one many people pass by and recognize, making it a familiar and visible part of the neighborhood. Principal David Pendergast is in his first year at the school but brings 19 years of experience as an elementary principal. Known for collaborating closely with other principals, he has also helped mentor future leaders, with 7 out of 10 interns under his leadership becoming principals themselves.

With enrollment just under 600 students, the school has a close-knit feel. Their SIPS program includes an emphasis on WIN (“What I Need”), providing focused academic support for students and helping meet individual needs.

As a Purple Star school, there is a strong spirit of caring for military families. One of the most meaningful takeaways was hearing how the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program feels united as one school community.

Thank you to Principal Pendergast and the school community for the warm visit and for the care being poured into students each day.

 A visit to Whitesides Elementary is a reminder of how the tender hearts and compassion of its staff and teachers shape a school in meaningful ways. Principal Heather Schulz, now in her fourth year, brings 18 years of experience teaching sixth-grade teacher and having a deep passion for math. That care and consistency are felt throughout the building.

One of the things that stands out is the way the school creates opportunities for connection beyond the classroom. A recent skate night brought families together in a simple, fun way, strengthening relationships and building community.

Inside the school, there is a strong focus on student growth and support. The SIPS reading intervention team is intentional in helping students progress, and those efforts are celebrated in a visible way. Students who reach a Lexile reading level of 1000 earn a place on the cafeteria wall, where their names are displayed on tiles, recognizing their hard work and achievement.

There is a steady, purposeful feel at Whitesides, where students are supported, progress is recognized, and care is evident in every classroom. Thank you to Principal Schulz and the entire Whitesides team for the time spent together and for the meaningful work happening each day. 

 Wallace Stegner Academy’s Sunset Campus may be small, but it is already making a strong impact. With 102 students in grades K–8, there is a clear focus on consistency, strong support for teachers, and creating a structured environment where students can succeed.

Principal Natalie Bolen, who is not new to Wallace Stegner Academy, brings experience and continuity to the campus. Under her leadership, classrooms are aligned in expectations, and teachers are supported with the training and tools they need—building a foundation where students benefit from consistency across the school. A spirit of unity has taken hold quickly among both students and staff.

As a new campus, they are also connecting with the community through events like their Easter Hop in Clinton and a well-attended Halloween parade. Looking ahead, the school is working toward implementing a bus system and has space to grow within its current campus.

With an upcoming talent show and their Purple Star application in progress, Wallace Stegner Academy’s Sunset Campus is building something meaningful from the ground up.

Thank you for the visit and for the innovation and fresh perspective you are bringing to the community.

 Parkside Elementary has a strong sense of purpose, where leadership and connection are clearly centered on helping students succeed. In her second year as principal, Natalie Vincent brings both a lifelong connection to Davis County and a background in teaching. She shared how valuable it is to spend one-on-one time with students—getting to know their stories and seeing firsthand how decisions can impact each of them differently.

One of the things that stands out at Parkside is the intentional support in place for students. Having a paraprofessional in every kindergarten classroom has made a noticeable difference, with nearly all students reaching grade level. The school’s PBIS and house system also plays a big role in shaping the culture, reinforcing the idea that “your success is my success” and helping students see the value in supporting one another.

This year’s LEGO theme ties everything together in a fun and meaningful way. The message of building progress “brick by brick” shows up in creative ways, with connections to things students enjoy like Zelda, Star Wars, and Mario.

With around 405 students, Parkside continues to build on what’s working, including strengthening programs like the Essential Elements Hub and making sure classrooms have what they need. It’s clear that the focus remains on steady growth, strong support, and helping each student move forward.